University Students: Free Prescriptions?

University students in the UK may be eligible for free prescriptions, depending on their age, location, and financial situation. In England, students under the age of 19 in full-time education are automatically entitled to free prescriptions. Students over the age of 19 may be eligible for free or reduced-cost prescriptions under the NHS Low Income Scheme if their income, including student maintenance loans, does not exceed £16,000 per year. In Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, prescriptions are free for all, regardless of age or income.

University students in England must pay for prescriptions unless exempt

University students in England are generally required to pay for their prescriptions unless they meet certain exemption criteria. This is in contrast to the rest of the UK, where prescriptions are free for all.

Who is exempt from paying for prescriptions in England?

According to the NHS, you must meet specific criteria to be eligible for free prescriptions. While the standard rule is that those under 16 and over 60 get free prescriptions, there are other ways university students can qualify.

Full-time education

If you are aged 16-18 and in full-time education, you are entitled to free prescriptions. However, as university is not considered mandatory full-time education, most university students will not fall under this category.

Low income

If you are on a low income, you may be eligible for the NHS Low Income Scheme. This scheme is based on your income, not your household income, and anyone can apply as long as their savings, investments, or property value do not exceed £16,000. If you are eligible, you will receive either an HC2 certificate (for full help with health costs) or an HC3 certificate (for partial help).

Benefits

If you are receiving certain benefits, you may be entitled to free prescriptions. For example, if you are on income-based Jobseeker's Allowance or income-related Employment and Support Allowance, you are automatically entitled to free prescriptions. If you are on contribution-based benefits or Universal Credit, it depends on your take-home pay in the last assessment period.

Pregnancy

If you are pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months, you are eligible for free prescriptions with a valid maternity exemption certificate.

Medical conditions and disabilities

If you have a specified medical condition or a continuing physical disability, you may be eligible for free prescriptions with a valid medical exemption certificate.

War pension exemption

If you receive War Pension Scheme or Armed Forces Compensation Scheme payments and the prescription is for your accepted disability, you can get free prescriptions with a valid war pension exemption certificate.

NHS inpatient

Any medication given to hospital inpatients is always free of charge.

Contraceptives

Contraceptives are always free on the NHS, and appointments with nurses or doctors are confidential.

Prepayment certificate

If you have repeat prescriptions, you may find it cost-effective to buy a prepayment certificate, which allows you to pay for 3 or 12 months upfront.

While university students in England generally have to pay for prescriptions, there are a range of exemptions that may apply, and it is worth checking to see if you are eligible for free prescriptions or reduced costs.

Students in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland get free prescriptions

Students in England who are aged 16-18 and in full-time education can get free prescriptions. However, once a student turns 19, they will have to pay for their prescriptions unless they are exempt. Exemptions include those with disabilities, people who are receiving benefits or have a low income, and all contraception products, which are also free.

Students under 19 in England get free prescriptions

Students under 19 in England are entitled to free prescriptions if they are in full-time education. This means that if you’re in your first year of university, sixth form, or college, you will not have to pay for prescriptions.

However, once you turn 19, you will have to pay for prescriptions unless you are exempt. Exemptions include those with disabilities, people who are receiving benefits, or those on a low income. All contraception products are also free.

If you are a student in England and are over 19, you may be able to qualify for the NHS Low Income Scheme, which is based on your income, not your parents'. This scheme is available to people whose annual income (including student maintenance loans), savings, and investments do not exceed £16,000. If you are eligible, you will receive full help with healthcare costs (an HC2 certificate) or partial help (an HC3 certificate).

Students on low incomes may get help with prescription costs

Students in England who are aged 16-18 and in full-time education can get free prescriptions. However, once you turn 19, you will have to pay for prescriptions unless you are exempt. Students in England who are on low incomes may be able to qualify for the NHS Low Income Scheme, which is based on your income, not your parents'. This scheme is available to people whose annual income (which includes student maintenance loans), savings, and investments do not exceed £16,000. If you are eligible, you will receive full help with healthcare costs (an HC2 certificate) or partial help (an HC3 certificate).

To apply for support with healthcare costs under the NHS Low Income Scheme, you need to fill out an HC1 form and supply evidence of any grants, bursaries, and awards you receive. The application is said to take around 20 minutes, and you should receive a response within 18 working days. The certificate can last anywhere from 6 months to 5 years, depending on your circumstances.

If you are a student entitled to income support and you receive income-based benefits, you will automatically be eligible for free prescriptions. If you are on contribution-based benefits or Universal Credit, you are not automatically entitled to free prescriptions—it will depend on your take-home pay in the last assessment period.

If you are struggling financially, reach out to your university guidance team to see if there is any way the university can support you.

Students with certain medical conditions may get free prescriptions

If you are a student with a low income, you may be entitled to help with healthcare costs, including prescriptions, under the NHS Low Income Scheme. To be eligible, your annual income, including student maintenance loans, savings, investments or property, must not exceed £16,000. If you are eligible, you will receive either an HC2 certificate, which entitles you to full help with healthcare costs, or an HC3 certificate, which entitles you to partial help.

If you are a student in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, you will be able to get free prescriptions, regardless of your age, income or other factors. If you are a Scottish, Welsh or Northern Irish student studying in England, you can get an exemption card to continue receiving free prescriptions.

Frequently asked questions